Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Mar 28: Israel said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen early Saturday, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for the attack — marking their first involvement since the ongoing West Asia conflict began.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed the strike in a statement broadcast on Al-Masirah television, raising concerns over the group’s potential return to targeting commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea corridor.

Air raid sirens were reported around Beersheba and areas near Israel’s key nuclear research facility, while explosions were also heard in Tel Aviv. Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service said it responded to multiple impact sites across the metropolitan region.

The development comes amid escalating hostilities, with Israel reportedly striking Iran’s nuclear facilities hours after warning of expanding its military campaign. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks, including strikes on a military base in Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, several US personnel were injured in the attacks on Prince Sultan Air Base, which is operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force and used by American troops. Multiple missile and drone strikes over the past week have left over two dozen US service members wounded.

The widening conflict, now involving multiple regional actors, has heightened concerns over further escalation and its impact on global security and trade routes.